ENVE SES 3.4 Carbon Disc Brake Road Wheelset - Clincher

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One wheel to do it all.

On the pavement, you'd be hard-pressed to find a wheelset more versatile than ENVE's SES 3.4 platform. Its balance of low weight for climbing and flatland speed exceeds its rim depth expectations. With an updated rim shape and the addition of disc rotors and tubeless compatibility for 2017, the SES 3.4 Carbon Disc Road Clincher Wheelset with DT Swiss 240 Hubs looks to become a one-wheelset quiver to tackle all manner of gravel and cyclocross without sacrificing its road race-ready heritage.

The new rim profile features a monstrous 21mm internal rim width for both front and rear, which compares favorably to the previous 3.4's combination of 18.5/16.5mm front/rear mix. ENVE credits the wider stance for improving aerodynamics with a 25mm tire while also boosting tire volume. This in turn allows lower tire pressure for a smoother, more efficient ride and compatibility with the wider tires needed for all-road adventuring. Swapping the tubes for tubeless will take full advantage of the new rim width by reducing pinch flat risk and further reducing both pressure and rolling resistance. In the saddle, this makes for a nearly perfect blend of speed and comfort.

The latest SES 3.4 continues ENVE's commitment to mixed rim height, but it brings the numbers closer together. The front rim gains 3mm to 38mm in depth, and the rear rim loses 3mm to clock in at 42mm. ENVE claims that this new pairing improves handling and stability in windy conditions without sacrificing any aerodynamics, which means you'll be riding smooth instead of wrestling with the wind at speed.

As with all its SES wheels, ENVE uses its most sophisticated technology and engineering techniques to create this fast, stiff, and aerodynamic wheelset. The ENVE SES series boasts the highest strength-to-weight ratio on the market, due in part to ENVE's patented process of molding in spoke holes, nipple seats, and valve stem holes. Knowing that carbon fiber gains strength from continuous fibers, ENVE routes the fibers around each hole in a 100% intact design, which allows a lower weight at the spoke face and adds overall rigidity to the rim. ENVE also removes the rim-shaping inflatable bladder, which, while time-consuming, serves to reduce rim weight and makes for a perfectly tensioned wheel build.

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More than just Bling!

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Let me start by saying that this is the most I’ve ever paid for any wheel set. I had an opportunity to get them at a good price but the purchase still seemed like an indulgence. That’s until I got to ride them! Man, are they worth it!

The first thing that blew my mind was the acceleration. These wheels get up to speed real quick! With less effort than I’ve ever experienced. Once your cruising along these puppies seem to just coast effortlessly. They didn’t turn me into Mark Cavendish but I really can’t see myself riding my bike without them. They feel that good!

I waited a while to put a review out there because I wanted to put them to work. I’m 6’1” and weigh more than 95 kg (>209 lbs) so I wanted to see how they hold up. ENVE puts no weight limit on them because of how they construct them. It’s one of the big reasons I chose them. Other manufacturers had weight limits and did not offer the differing wheel sizes the SES system does. Years not months will tell, but they feel sturdy and strong. I feel no give when I’m powering through or leaning into turns. I feel confident riding them.

I also wanted to make sure that I tested them in strong crosswinds. I have some Zipp 30 aluminum clinchers that get twitchy in strong winds so I was a little concerned about these deeper wheels. I have to say that 99% of the time the wind doesn’t mess with them at all. In one particularly windy day I felt some very slight pushing on the front but the bike just tracks safely when they get pushed. I never get the twitchyness areo wheels are known for and I’m always in full control. I’m very impressed how well they perform.

Overall, this was a dream purchase for me. Based on faith that the product would deliver on it’s promises and I am not disappointed. They sure bring the bling factor. These are great looking quality built wheels. With performance to backup the bling.